Habitat

Northern Rough-winged Swallows forage in open areas often near water, from sea level to around 6,500 feet. In Mexico and Central America they forage in lowlands and foothills along rivers and lakes and above agricultural fields.

Food

Nesting

Nest Placement

Northern Rough-winged Swallows nest in burrows created by other animals—such as kingfishers, squirrels, and Bank Swallows—in clay, sand, or gravel banks, typically near water. They also nest in crevices found in gutters, boxes, drainpipes, walls, and bridges. They nest singly or in small groups often at the edge of a Bank Swallow colony.

Nest Description

Females pick up grass, twigs, and other plant material from the ground to build a loose cup-shaped nest inside a burrow or crevice. Nesting burrows are mostly commonly 11–40 inches deep.

Behavior

Northern Rough-winged Swallows fly with slower and more deliberate, but fluttery wingbeats than other swallows. During glides they tend to hold their wings straight out from the body with less of a bend in the wing than the similar Bank Swallow. They fly lower over water bodies and often use areas that have more trees or other obstructions than other swallows. During the breeding season, they are less social and occur alone or in small groups. At nest sites, males often perch nearby to defend the nest from intruders, especially during nest construction and egg laying. Outside of the breeding season they frequently mix with other swallow species.

Conservation

Northern Rough-winged Swallows are common but their populations declined by 18% between 1970 and 2014, according to Partners in Flight. The estimated global breeding population is 18 million. The species rates a 10 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, which means it is not on the Partners in Flight Watch List, and is a species of low conservation concern. Northern Rough-winged Swallows, like other aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nightjars, and flycatchers), have experienced widespread population declines. The causes are not well understood, but could include pollutants or pesticides that reduce the number of flying insects, and climate change that can impact both when and how many flying insects are available.